A CONVICTED sex offender breached notification requirements by opening an account on the dating app Grindr under the name "Mr Grumpy Socks" which he hadn't registered with the police.

Blackburn magistrates heard Stephen Hughes, formerly known as Stephen Barcelotti, told police he had used the bogus name because he didn't want his former partner to know he was back on the dating scene.

And he admitted he had had sexual relationships with two men as a result of his use of the app.

Hughes, 61, of Willow Close, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with notification requirements. He was committed on bail to be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court.

Katie Lord, prosecuting, said Hughes was convicted of making indecent images of children in December 2019.

In January police carried out a compliance visit following a recent change of name and address.

"The defendant appeared nervous and wanted to be alone in his bedroom to get changed," said Miss Lord.

"When they asked to see his mobile phone he recovered it from under his pillow and admitted he was on Grindr and that he hadn't notified the police of this.

Gareth Price, defending, said it was the first breach of the requirements.

"It involves the use of a perfectly legal application which is restricted to people over the age of 18," said Mr Price.

"At the time he was split from a partner and he didn't want to reveal that he was dipping his toes back into the dating scene."